FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Iranian coins legal to buy in the United States?
Yes — with an important distinction. The United States maintains sanctions against Iran that restrict many financial transactions, but these sanctions do not prohibit the ownership or sale of Iranian coins and antiques of historical significance. Coins minted before the Islamic Revolution of 1979 are legal to own and sell in the United States. All Iranian coins listed on this site were minted before 1979 and were originally sourced from U.S.-based dealers, making them fully legal to purchase. If you have specific questions about a particular coin, feel free to contact us before purchasing.
How do I know a coin is authentic?
Every coin we sell is personally examined and authenticated before listing. We describe each coin accurately, including known varieties, catalog references, and any notable characteristics such as countermarks or overstrikes. We have been studying and handling coins for over a decade and stand behind the authenticity of everything we sell. If you ever have concerns about a coin you purchased from us, please reach out and we will work with you to resolve the issue. For coins graded by third-party services such as PCGS or NGC, the holder itself serves as additional authentication.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, and PayPal. For Iranian coins specifically, we recommend using Shop Pay or a credit card rather than PayPal, as PayPal may place a temporary hold of up to 72 hours on transactions involving Iranian collectibles while verifying compliance. The transaction will still process — it may simply take a little longer.
What is a Hijri date and how do I read it?
The Hijri calendar is the Islamic lunar calendar used across the Muslim world for religious and historical purposes. It begins from the year of the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Afghan and Iranian coins are typically dated in either the lunar Hijri calendar (AH) or the solar Hijri calendar (SH), rather than the Gregorian calendar used in the West.
To convert a lunar Hijri year to a Gregorian year approximately, use this formula: subtract 3% of the AH year, then add 622. For example, AH 1322 converts to approximately 1904 CE. For solar Hijri dates (SH), simply add 621 or 622 to get the approximate Gregorian year. We include both the Hijri date and the Gregorian equivalent in all of our listings so you never have to calculate manually.
Do you buy or accept coins for sale?
We are always interested in hearing from collectors and estates looking to find a good home for historically significant pieces. We have a particular interest in Afghan, Islamic, Iranian, and world coins and banknotes, as well as stamps, documents, and related collectibles. Reach out to us at info@chickenstreettrading.com with a description and photos of what you have and we will get back to you within 1 to 2 business days. There is no obligation and no pressure.
How do I care for my coins?
The golden rule of coin collecting is simple — do not clean your coins. Cleaning a coin, even gently, can permanently damage its surface and significantly reduce its value. Always handle coins by their edges, never touching the face of the coin with your fingers. Store coins in acid-free holders, flips, or albums designed specifically for numismatic storage. Avoid exposing coins to humidity, extreme temperatures, or direct sunlight. If you are unsure how to store a specific coin, feel free to ask us for guidance.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship worldwide. International shipping rates and delivery times vary by destination and will be calculated at checkout. Please note that international buyers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, or fees imposed by their country. We declare all shipments accurately and do not misrepresent package contents on customs forms. If you have questions about shipping to your specific country, contact us before placing your order.